McKinsey Cover Letter - is hiring manager name necessary?

Cover letter McKinsey & Company
New answer on Jul 06, 2021
6 Answers
1.9 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 06, 2021

Hi,

I am about to apply at McK for a solutions/insights junior position in Europe and I was wondering how bad is it if I don't find out the name of the hiring manager for the cover letter?

I have no connections/network to that country's office and I'm not sure I should email the reception with such question. What do you think? Shall I address it in a general fashion?

Thank you

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 06, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

The lack of the recruiter's name on the cover is not a big deal. However, it seems you are lacking a referral for your application – and that could matter a lot. Your application will be a lot more solid if you manage to find one.

You can find tips on how to find referrals at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco on Jul 06, 2021

Thank you Francesco

Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 06, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hi there,

Without knowing your resume and experience, your application will definitely get a boost by scoring a referral before applying. If you have an exceptional resume you will be fine without one.

Did you attend any events or network with some McKinsey consultants that could refer you before you send your application?

In general, the cover letter is not important for McKinsey, is even optional for most offices and interviewers don't even read it.

Cheers,

Florian

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco on Jul 06, 2021

Thank you Florian - no unfortunately I have zero connections in that country, I only know a BA in another country

Florian on Jul 06, 2021

Fingers crossed then!

Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 06, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Don't worry! 

First of all, you won't find the name, since there is not such thing as a hiring manager for a position -there are several engagements and you will rotate-. Even if you knew some of your potential EMs, would be odd to mention them in the CL

Hope it helps! Cheers, 

Clara

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco on Jul 06, 2021

Thank you Clara!

Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 06, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

This isn't a problem at all. "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern" work just fine!

I note the other coach comments and your responses regarding networking. Even if you don't have connections there, you can still get referrals! Reach out to people on LinkedIn. Play "tag" with connections outside of that office to get put in touch with people in the office.

You may not have connections now, but with good networking you can make them!

Was this answer helpful?
Ken
Expert
replied on Jul 06, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Your CV could be read by different people and so I would just go with a generic "Dear sir or madam" or "To whom it may concern"

Was this answer helpful?
Henning
Expert
replied on Jul 06, 2021
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

No it's not too critical. If you get a referral, this will help your chances significantly and through contacts you might get to the name. But if that's not an option it's OK to not have a name.

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

Content Creator
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
4,512
Meetings
43,926
Q&A Upvotes
387
Awards
5.0
1616 Reviews
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely